Platelets -- What are platelets and why are they important?
The purpose of platelets
“Platelets are the cells that circulate within our blood and bind together when they recognize damaged blood vessels,” “When you get a cut, for example, the platelets bind to the site of the damaged vessel, thereby causing a blood clot. There’s an evolutionary reason why they’re there. It’s to stop us from bleeding.”What makes platelets change their shape?
Platelets, the smallest of our blood cells, can only be seen under a microscope. They’re literally shaped like small plates in their non-active form. A blood vessel will send out a signal when it becomes damaged. When platelets receive that signal, they’ll respond by traveling to the area and transforming into their “active” formation. To make contact with the broken blood vessel, platelets grow long tentacles and then resemble a spider or an octopus.Sooooooo, here we go on the roller coaster. Poppy ironed his clothes again for work today. He looked extremely well this morning. I slept in the spare room because before I even got through the news last night he was snoring. So, I didn't even make an attempt to ask him to turn over. I just grabbed my three pillows and tiptoed out.
His platelets have begun to drop. They are at 27 today. The normal range is 150-450. He usually sits well at 75. When they drop below 20 they will give him more by IV. They are like a blood transfusion except they are cream colored.
His CRP (crap) is at 20 and is was a minus 5 yesterday. So, he has a low grade infection, BUT this is to be expected the day after transplant. I don't know why. He was given an IV drip of Invanz which is an antibiotic. He will get that daily for 30 minutes until his CRP comes back down.
The Granix (growth factor shot) will be given daily also until his WBC comes back up. It is at 1.13 today and normal is 3.60 to 9.50.
His appetite is dying a little. I fixed pork loin and mac/cheese last night. He ate two helping of the mac and none of the pork loin. Today I was going to take him a whopper and shake like I always do, but he indicated he didn't want a big sandwich. We agreed on Burger King chicken fries and a small shake.
He has already been advised he will probably have to have a unit of blood tomorrow... BUT, no worries.
We asked them yesterday to stop the Lovenox as the tops of his hands are bruised and when he bumps or touches them they bleed in some spots. I hate that for him.
We (HE) will be keeping up with his fever the next few days. I say "He" because we had a knock down drag out over the thermometer I was using the other night. I have a new digital the takes TWO seconds. I just can't imagine something working that fast. So, I went and got our old one. He started grumbling from the start. Wouldn't even hold it in his mouth until I basically shoved it in. Talk about a pouty face!!!! He grumbled again and I asked what was the problem. Okay.....are y'all ready for this???? The old one takes THREE minutes and he doesn't want to wait. I had to leave the room on that one. Actually, I had to go downstairs to contain myself.
I read all the side effects to everything he takes and I usually don't share those with him. I don't want to worry him. This was the day of the Melphalan... I was so worried about the side effects and the fever was one. I know y'all are gonna think I'm just nasty to him, but this was what I did when I returned upstairs.
"Jim -- I don't share with you all the side effects to drugs because I don't want to burden or worry you. I want you to rest, BUT here are the side effects to Melphalan...." (I read them ALL). Then I grabbed my pillows and told him -- "I am taking this worry off my shoulders this evening and I'm pushing them on to your shoulders! Good night!" I wish I could tell you I felt better about this, but I didn't. We are okay now.
I had forgotten how bad the smell of the transplant could be... Everyone says Roasted Corn, but I say Roasted Corn and Scalded Milk. It was so bad when we got home yesterday I made him take a shower. But, of course, since it's inward the shower didn't help. Another reason I slept in the other room. The dogs didn't even stay around him. He can't smell it. I had to spray my truck after we got home yesterday. He will have that smell another 3-4 days, so there is really no reason for me to even change sheets.
I had a glass of ice water on the end table in the den last night. I was fixing dinner and I retrieved my water and took a big drink in the kitchen. I almost spit it out. I walked back to the den and asked him if he picked up my water. He confessed he took a drink. So, the smell literally comes from inside his body and out through his mouth, too. I've been using a lot of Vicks inhaler when he's around me. LOL
I am working today, even though it's my day off. I need to do some catching up even though the time I have taken was vacation. I plan to work tomorrow on payroll. Now my boss sends me a message and advises the budget preparation needs to begin. Also, the new committees have to be formed. I'm not gonna get stressed about it. He does tell me to let him know if I need help. I tried that when Poppy was in the hospital and what I got was he was tired of doing all the work... I still can't figure out what work he was talking about. I'm the only one that can do my job. (smile...not)
I did take Poppy into work today. I know his job is stressing him more than mine ever could. I don't know what we are going to do about the next week or so. His APN told us yesterday that he has approximately 17 days to recovery and release. Today is Day 1. If he stays on schedule he will be neutrapenic by Monday or Tuesday.
The clinic is still amazed and happy that he hasn't been sick with diarrhea or vomiting. So am I.
I think that's it for the day..... I'm taking work home with me tonight so I won't be blogging. I'm also working on two rental houses from the church. They have been vacant for 2-3 months and I the communicator between the realtor and the boss. I was emailing at 10:00 p.m. last night.... I wanna retire!!!
Good Afternoon and Love -- Pepper
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